In a Kill Bill inspired battle to the death, two leggy blonde queens will fight for the title of lifestyle guru.
Well, not really, but I must admit, the thought of these two going at it with custom Hattori Hanzo swords is enough to save me from a mid-week funk. It’s hard to imagine anyone having the ability to out shine Gwen at her own posh game, anyone except Blake Lively, who for all intensive purposes may be her genetic clone.
I took it upon myself to go through the arduous task of reviewing both sites in a head to head showdown. First up, her Lord and savior, the inventor of concious uncoupling and lover of $1200 jewelry boxes, Gwyneth Paltrow and her goop.
Web Design |
Goop wins major brownie points for it’s clean and accessible site. If you have been on the internet for more than 5 minutes at a time, you may have noticed that simplicity is all the rage, proving that sometimes trends are the way to go. The website feels effortless, allowing the content to be the primary source of interest.
Fashion |
It’s easy to get sidetracked by some of the ultra expensive clothing suggested on the site, although in the recent past there has been a shift with more reasonable brands such as J.Crew and Zara. Don’t get excited just yet, Paltrow hasn’t moved too far away from unattainable luxury items, such as a $245 Robot Sweatshirt that is only appropriate for a kindergartner. Still, I have to give credit where credit is due, the woman knows clothes, and it looks like somebody out there is buying this stuff because half of it is sold out- reveal yourselves!
Food |
White Pear Kimichi aside, the recipes featured on the site are not as absurd as one might expect. Sure, some of the ingredients may be a little out there ( I’m looking at you dandelion greens) but who can be mad at fried chicken? Overall the dishes are relatively easy to follow, even for the novice chef.
Commerce |
My goodness, the woman loves to monogram stuff. Before you ask yourself what one would do with a five-hundred dollar wooden longboard, please remember that this is goop, and while she will sometimes throw in a Zara coat, most of the items offered are pricey pricey. There is a reason the mere mention of it causes exaggerate eye movement.
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Next up, everybody’s favorite Gossip Girl, the envy of Teenagers everywhere, Blake Lively’s Preserve.
Web Design |
Preserve takes a different turn with a darker, moodier layout. It’s definitely a departure from the whitewashed websites that seems to be popping up everywhere, although I’m not sure if that is a benefit or a hindrance. There is a mystical new-age feel, which may or may not have been done on purpose, it’s hard to tell. I’m also perplexed as to why these people are wearing shoes in 3 inches of water?
Fashion |
Continuing on with the strange-ness, there is an entire post dedicated to why it’s ok to wear black during the day, black, as if this is a foreign concept. (Side note: Do people really need to be told this? Yes, wear black, it’s the best non-color color ever. Bury me in it.) Oh, you can buy an artisan apron for a hundred bucks. There doesn’t seem to be too much of an emphasis on clothing here, but that may also be because the site is fairly new.
Food |
The big difference between goop and Preserve is editorial, where Paltrow’s site is straight to the point, Preserve likes to tell a story. Which is the case with the donuts, oh, the donuts. Here contributor Ransom Weaver gives a peek inside of L.A.’s Donut Friend, where apparently magic is preformed with flour and sugar. The short story was adorable and the images, mouthwatering.
Commerce |
The prices in the Shop may vary, but they are a far cry from that $1200 jewelry box. Actually, that sold-out all natural hot fudge looks like something I could get behind. A $600 crystal bowl being the exception, most of the products offered are splurge items that won’t break the bank completely. Who needs to eat more than bread, and water, and Artisan hot fudge any way?
Winner |
I have to give this one to Gwyneth. Yes, she is pretentious and way too into herself, but the site is welcoming and easily navigated. That’s not to say Blake is far behind, with a little polish I’m sure we will be scoffing at the insanity of Artisan deodorant in no time. Until then, please enjoy both these sites in whatever way you see fit.
Happy Lifestylin.
Xx
*All images where grabbed from their respected sources.
The House of Adelaide 